Intelligent lighting control multi-switch apparatuses, systems, and methods

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides lighting control system multi-switch apparatuses and methods. The apparatuses include a lighting control module including at least three electrical terminals. The lighting control module is configured to cause a transmission of a quantity of electrical energy to a lighting circuit of a light fixture electrically connected to the lighting control module. The apparatus includes a detector circuit positioned in the lighting control module. The detector circuit is electrically coupled to the traveler terminal and is configured to detect a grounding of the traveler terminal. The apparatus includes a controller in electrical communication with the detector circuit.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/321,121, filed on Apr. 11, 2016, entitled“INTELLIGENT LIGHTING CONTROL MULTI-SWITCH APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, ANDMETHODS,” which application is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to the field of lightingcontrol systems.

BACKGROUND

Customizing and automating home lighting control devices is oftenepitomized by the installation of unsightly lighting switches that areinundated with light switches confusingly mapped to respective fixtures.Automated home lighting control systems can also include large, complex,expensive central hubs that require expert or skilled technicians forinstallation and/or operation. Smart light bulbs and/or Wi-Fi enabledlightbulbs introduced into any of these contexts or even in simpler onescan disadvantageously be limited by the light switch that it isassociated with and/or the lighting fixture itself. For example, if alight switch associated with a smart light bulb is switched off thesmart light bulb becomes inoperable.

Similarly operation of a lighting control system with multiple switchesconnected to a common fixture, can cause unwanted changes in the mode ofoperation of one or more of the switches including precluding dimming orcausing dimming at unintended levels.

SUMMARY

The inventors have appreciated that various embodiments disclosed hereinprovide coordinated multi-switch operation between lighting controlsystem implemented on the same circuit.

Various embodiments provide a lighting control system multi-switchapparatus. The apparatus includes a lighting control module including atleast three electrical terminals. The at least three electricalterminals can include a power terminal, a common terminal, and atraveler terminal. The lighting control module is configured to cause atransmission of a quantity of electrical energy to a lighting circuit ofa light fixture electrically connected to the lighting control module.The apparatus includes a detector circuit positioned in the lightingcontrol module. The detector circuit is electrically coupled to thetraveler terminal and is configured to detect a grounding of thetraveler terminal. The apparatus includes a controller in electricalcommunication with the detector circuit. The controller is speciallyprogrammed to cause a call signal to be transmitted to a switchconnected to the traveler terminal. The call signal is configured torequest the switch connected to the traveler terminal transmit aresponse signal to the controller to identify the switch connected tothe traveler terminal to the controller.

In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to designatethe switch connected to the traveler wire as at least one of a slaveswitch and a master switch and to designate the lighting control moduleas the other one of the slave switch and the master switch in responseto receipt of the response signal from the switch connected to thetraveler terminal The slave switch is configured to transmit a lightingchange request received by the master switch to cause the master switchto alter a lighting scheme of the lighting circuit of the light fixture.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to cause the callsignal to be transmitted through the traveler terminal.

In some embodiments, the detector circuit includes a current sensor.

In some embodiments, the detector circuit includes an analog digitalconverter.

In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a communication modulepositioned in the lighting control module and in electricalcommunication with the controller. The controller is configured to causethe call signal to be transmitted wirelessly through the communicationmodule.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to provide anotification to a remote computing device wirelessly through thecommunication module, wherein the notification indicates that lightingcontrol module is integrated in a multi-switch circuit.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to provide anotification to a remote access point (WiFi router) wirelessly throughthe communication module, wherein the notification indicates that thelighting control module is integrated in a multi-switch circuit.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to designate theswitch connected to the traveler wire as the at least one of a slaveswitch and the master switch based on a user selection received by thecontroller from a remote computing device in wireless communication withthe controller via the communication module.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to designate theswitch connected to the traveler wire as the at least one of a slaveswitch and the master switch based on a logic of best wireless signalstrength to an access point of a home within which the apparatus islocated, wherein the controller module with the strongest and mostreliable wireless communication to the home's access point will bedesignated as a master switch.

In some embodiments, the detector circuit is configured to transmit anelectrical detection signal through the traveler terminal.

In some embodiments, the electrical detection signal has an electricalcurrent of less than 1 amp.

Various embodiments provide a lighting control system multi-switchapparatus. The apparatus includes at least one component configured todetect an electrical coupling of a first multi-way electrical switch toa second multi-way electrical switch. The at least one component isconfigured to change the operating behavior of at least one of the firstmulti-way electrical switch and second multi-way electrical switch.

Various embodiments provide a method of operating a lighting controlsystem according to anyone of the apparatuses disclosed herein.

Various embodiments provide a method of operating a lighting controlsystem. The method includes operating a detection mode wherein a firstcontroller in a first lighting control module wirelessly signals to asecond controller in a second lighting control module that the firstcontroller is operating in the detection mode. The method includesoperating a MOSFET in the first lighting control module during thedetection mode. The method also includes in response to receipt of thedetection mode signal, transmitting an initiation current from thesecond lighting control module to the first lighting control module. Themethod includes detecting a voltage drop in the first lighting controlmodule. The method includes transmitting a response current from thefirst lighting control module to the second lighting control module, inresponse to detecting the voltage drop whereby the second lightingcontrol module confirms 3-way detection.

In some embodiments, the method includes designating via the firstcontroller the first lighting controller as at least one of a slaveswitch and a master switch and designating the second lighting controlmodule as the other one of the slave switch and the master switch inresponse to transmitting the response current, wherein the slave switchis configured to transmit a lighting change request received by themaster switch to cause the master switch to alter a lighting scheme of alighting circuit connected to the first lighting control module and thesecond lighting control module.

Various embodiments provide a computer program product for operating alighting control system apparatus according to anyone of the apparatusesdisclosed herein.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing conceptsand additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided suchconcepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being partof the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, allcombinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of thisdisclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subjectmatter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminologyexplicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosureincorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistentwith the particular concepts disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings primarily are for illustrative purposes and are notintended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter describedherein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; in some instances,various aspects of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein may beshown exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate anunderstanding of different features. In the drawings, like referencecharacters generally refer to like features (e.g., functionally similarand/or structurally similar elements).

FIG. 1A is a perspective partially exploded view of a lighting controldevice.

FIG. 1B is a fully exploded view of the lighting control device of FIG.1A

FIG. 2A shows the lighting control device of FIG. 1A mounted on a wall.

FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate multi-switch lighting control devices.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate a lighting control device transitioning throughvarious lighting settings and a room having lighting fixtures controlledby the lighting control device.

FIG. 4 provides a flow diagram of operations of a system for controllinga lighting control device.

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a system for remotely operating alighting control device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a system for remotely configuringoperations of a lighting control device.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of a lighting control system apparatus.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematics of a lighting control module of FIG. 7with a multi-switch detection system.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show 3-way detection circuits of the light controlmodules of FIGS. 8A and 8B.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a system for adjusting an operatingprotocol of a lighting control module configured for multi-switchoperation.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a system for remotely adjusting anoperating protocol of a lighting control module configured formulti-switch operation.

The features and advantages of the inventive subject matter disclosedherein will become more apparent from the detailed description set forthbelow when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various conceptsrelated to, and exemplary embodiments of, inventive systems, methods andcomponents of lighting control devices.

FIG. 1A is a perspective partially exploded view of a lighting controldevice 100. The lighting control device 100 includes a switch module 102including a light switch actuator 106 and a tactile display 104 housedin the light switch actuator 106. The lighting control device 100 alsoincludes a wall plate cover 108 including a switch module opening 110extending therethrough. The lighting control device 100 also includes abase module 112 configured for coupling to the switch module 102 viamulti-pin socket 114. The base module 112 is sized and configured forreceipt within a one-gang wall electrical box and has a volumecorresponding substantially thereto. The base module 112 is configuredto be coupled to a wall electrical box via connection tabs 116 andfastener apertures 118 in the connection tabs 116.

The light switch actuator 106 includes an outer actuation surface 122,which as discussed further herein may be composed of glass. Theactuation surface 122 is movable, for example, by pushing on the curvedfoot 120 to cause the light switch actuator 106 to pivot, for example.The pivoting of the light switch actuator 106 and the actuation surface122 causes a contact component (shown in FIG. 2) of the switch actuator106 to move from a first position to a second position. Movement of thecontact component causes a connection of an electrical flow path, forexample by allowing two electrical contacts to connect or by connectingthe contact component with an electrical contact. The connecting of theelectrical flow path, permits electrical energy supplied by a powersource connected to the base module 112 to energize or activate thetactile display 104, as discussed in further detail herein. The tactiledisplay 104 is structured in the switch module to move contemporaneouslywith at least a portion of the actuation surface 122 and with theactuator 106. When activated or energized, the tactile display 104allows a user to define or select predefined lighting settings where thelighting settings change the voltage or power supplied to one or morelight fixtures. The change in power supplied to the light fixtures mayinclude a plurality of different voltages supplied to each fixture andmay be based on various parameters including, but not limited to,location, light intensity, light color, type of bulb, type of light,ambient light levels, time of day, kind of activity, room temperature,noise level, energy costs, user proximity, user identity, or variousother parameters which may be specified or detected. Furthermore, thelighting control device 100 may be connected to all of the lights in aroom or even in a house and can be configured to operate cooperativelywith one or more other lighting control devices 100 located in a unit orroom and connected to the same or distinct lighting fixtures.

FIG. 1B is a fully exploded view of the lighting control device 100 ofFIG. 1A. As demonstrated in FIG. 1B, the tactile display 104 ispositioned between the outer actuation surface 122 and the light switchactuator 106. The actuation surface 122 may be composed of animpact-resistant glass material permitting light from the tactiledisplay 104 and/or a clear sight of path for sensors 127 or otherlights, such as a light from light pipe 126 indicating activation topass through the actuation surface 122. The tactile display 104 iscomposed of a polymer-based capacitive touch layer 124 and a lightemitting diode panel 125, which are controlled via one or more modulesor processors positioned on the printed circuit board 129. The tactiledisplay 104 is housed within a recess 131 of the light switch actuator106 beneath the actuation surface 122. The light switch actuator 106 maybe formed as a thermoplastic housing including a housing cover 133 and ahousing base 135. The light switch actuator housing cover 133 ispivotally connected to the housing base 135 via pins 136 and the housingcover 133 is biased with respect the housing base 135 via torsion spring137. In particular embodiments, the light switch actuator housing cover133 may be configured to slide or otherwise translate or rotate. Theouter actuation surface 122 is biased with the switch actuator housingcover 133 and moves contemporaneously therewith in concert with thetactile display 104 housed in the cover component 133 of the lightswitch actuator 106. The light switch actuator 106 includes a switch pin128 movable between positions to close an open circuit on the primaryprinted circuit board substrate 150, which board also houses a switchcontroller or processor. In certain embodiments the light switchactuator 106 may include a circuit board stack, including the primaryprinted circuit board substrate 150 and a secondary printed circuitboard 138 The light switch actuator 106 may include a latch 136 forcoupling to the base module 112 (e.g. as the light switch actuator 106is passed through the opening 110 in the wall plate cover 108), whichlatch causes the light switch actuator 106 to click into place. Thehousing base 135 includes a multi-pin connector or plug 134 configuredto engage the multi-pin socket 114 of the base module 112.

The lighting control device 100 includes a mounting chassis 142configured to be installed to an electrical wall box. The mountingchassis 142 creates an even surface for installation of the othermodules (e.g., the base module 112 and the switch module 102). Once thebase module is connected to the electrical wall box via the mountingchassis 142, the wall plate cover 108 can be coupled to the mountingchassis 142 and the light switch actuator 106 can be inserted throughthe switch module opening 110. In particular embodiments, the wall platecover can be coupled to the mounting chassis 142 and/or the tabs 116 ofthe base module via magnets. As noted, the base module 112 is configuredto be coupled to a wall electrical box via connection tabs 116. The basemodule 112 is further configured to be electrically coupled to a powersource and to one or more light fixtures wired to the electrical box.Accordingly, the base module 112 provides an interface between a powersource, the light switch actuator 106, and one or more light fixtures.The base module includes a processor 140 and a circuit board 141 formanaging the power supplied by the power source and routed to the one ormore light fixtures in accordance with a light setting selectionidentified via the light switch actuator 106 or the tactile display 104.

One or more of the processor on the printed circuit board 15038 a or 138b 130 and the base module processor 140 may include wireless links forcommunication with one or more remote electronic device such as a mobilephone, a tablet, a laptop, another mobile computing devices, one or moreother lighting control devices 100 or other electronic devices operatingin a location. In certain implementations the wireless links permitcommunication with one or more devices including, but not limited tosmart light bulbs, thermostats, garage door openers, door locks, remotecontrols, televisions, security systems, security cameras, smokedetectors, video game consoles, robotic systems, or other communicationenabled sensing and/or actuation devices or appliances. The wirelesslinks may include BLUETOOTH classes, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth-low-energy, alsoknown as BLE (BLE and BT classic are completely different protocols thatjust share the branding), 802.15.4, Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WiMAX), an infrared channel or satellite band. Thewireless links may also include any cellular network standards used tocommunicate among mobile devices, including, but not limited to,standards that qualify as 1G, 2G, 3G, or 4G. The network standards mayqualify as one or more generation of mobile telecommunication standardsby fulfilling a specification or standards such as the specificationsmaintained by International Telecommunication Union. The 3G standards,for example, may correspond to the International MobileTelecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specification, and the 4G standardsmay correspond to the International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced(IMT-Advanced) specification. Examples of cellular network standardsinclude AMPS, GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE, LTE Advanced, Mobile WiMAX, andWiMAX-Advanced. Cellular network standards may use various channelaccess methods e.g. FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, or SDMA. In some embodiments,different types of data may be transmitted via different links andstandards. In other embodiments, the same types of data may betransmitted via different links and standards.

FIG. 2A shows the lighting control device 100 of FIG. 1A mounted on awall 200. As demonstrated in FIG. 2A, the base module 112 is not visibleupon installation of the lighting control device 100 in view of the wallplate cover 108. Because the wall plate cover 108 attaches to the basemodule 112, the wall plate cover 108 appears to be floating on the wall200. The lighting control device 100 may be activated by a user 103interacting with the outer actuation surface 122 and the tactile display104.

FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate multi-switch configurations of multiplelighting control device. FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate a two switch andthree switch embodiment respectively where the lighting control devices202 and 203 each include a light switch actuator 106 as well asauxiliary switches 204 and 208, as well as 2 and 3 base modules 112,respectively.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate a lighting control device transitioning throughvarious lighting settings and a room having lighting fixtures controlledby the lighting control device.

In FIG. 3A, the lighting control device 300 is connected to a basemodule positioned behind the wall plate 308. The lighting control device300 includes a dynamic light switch actuator 306, operable in a mannersimilar to the light switch actuator discussed in connection with FIGS.1A-2C, and an auxiliary light switch actuator. As demonstrated in FIG.3A by the unilluminated outer actuation surface 322 of the light switchactuator 306 is inactive and not energized. In response to a user 103moving the actuation surface 322 of the light switch actuator 306, thelight switch actuator 306 begins to become energized, as shown in FIG.3B. The energization or activation of the light switch actuator 306 issignaled by the power light indicator 305 and by full lighting settingicon 351. As shown in FIG. 3C where the icon 351 is fully lit (ratherthan partially lit as in FIG. 3B), the light switch actuator 306 isfully energized. In this particular configuration, the primary lights309 and 310 are illuminated at full power. FIG. 3D shows the transitionbetween lighting settings. As demonstrated in FIG. 3D, this transitionis facilitated via user 103 completing swiping gesture 312 across thetactile display 304 and along the actuation surface 322. As the usercompletes the gesture 312, the icon 351 is swiped from the tactiledisplay 304 as the tactile display toggles to a new light setting shownin FIG. 3E. The new light setting shown in FIG. 3E is represented oridentified by the dinner icon 352. The new light setting shown in FIG. 3has the light fixture 309 powered down and has caused lamp 316 andsconces 318 to become illuminated to change the lighting scene in theroom. The change in the light setting causes a change in distribution ofpower to certain lighting fixture based on the selected lightingsetting. The light switch actuator 306 may be pre-programmed with aplurality of lighting settings or may be configured with particularlighting settings as specified by the user 103. A further swipinggesture 315 shown in FIG. 3F or a different gesture are used totransition from the lighting setting of FIG. 3F represented by icon 352to a further lighting setting.

FIG. 4 provides a flow diagram of operations of a system for controllinga lighting control device. FIG. 4 illustrates control operations of acontrol system, such as processor 130 configured to control the lightingcontrol device 100 or 300, in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention. At 401, the tactile display housed in the lightswitch actuator is activated by moving the light switch actuator, forexample by moving the actuation surface of the light switch actuator. At402, the light fixtures electrically coupled to the light switchactuator via a base module are powered as the movement of the lightswitch actuator causes a contact component to move into a new positionand thereby permit or cause an electrical flow path between a powersource and the light fixture(s) to be closed. The tactile display housedin the light switch actuator is moved contemporaneously with theactuation surface. At 403, a lighting setting selection request isreceived via the tactile display, for example by a particular motion ormotions on the tactile display. The lighting setting selection requestidentifies a lighting setting from among a plurality of lightingsettings. A user may swipe multiple times to toggle through theplurality of lighting settings or may conduct a specific motion thatcorresponds to a particular lighting setting including, but not limitedto, a half swipe and tap to achieve a light intensity of all theconnected light fixtures at half of their peak output. The lightingsettings identify distinct power distribution schemes for one or morelight fixtures connected to the light switch module. At 404, a powerdistribution scheme is identified. At 405, the identified powerdistribution scheme is transmitted, for example by the base moduleresponding to control signals from the light switch actuator, to adjustone, some, or all of the lights based on the power distribution schemecorresponding to the lighting setting selected. The power distributionschemes or profiles may be stored in a memory device of the lightingcontrol device. In certain embodiments, the power distribution schemesmay be adjusted to account for other parameters such as ambient lightingfrom natural light or an unconnected source. In certain embodiments thepower distribution schemes may be adjusted based on one or more othersensor parameters. In particular embodiments, the lighting setting maybe adjusted by automation based on time of day, sensed parameters suchas light, temperature, noise, or activation of other devices including,but not limited to, any electronic device described herein.

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of system for remotely operating a lightingcontrol device. In particular embodiments, the lighting control device100 or 300 may be operable from a remote device if the actuator switchis activated or energized. In such instances, the remote device mayinclude one or more computer program applications, such as system 500,operating on the device to communicate with and control the lightingcontrol device. Accordingly, at 501, the control system 500 initiates aconnection module to generate a communication interface between a mobileelectronic device and a light switch module. The connection module maycause the remote device to send one or more wireless transmission to thelighting control device via a communication protocol. At 502, thecontrol system 500 causes the remote device to generate a display oficons on a display device of the mobile electronic device to facilitateselection of a lighting setting. At 503, the control system 500 receivesa lighting setting selection based on the user selecting a particularicon. At 504, a transmission module causes the lighting setting selectedto be transmitted to the lighting control device so that the lightswitch module and/or the base module can cause the power distributionscheme corresponding to the lighting setting to be transmitted to thelighting fixtures. The tactile display of the lighting control devicemay be updated in concert with receipt of the lighting setting todisplay the icon selected on the mobile electronic device andcorresponding to the lighting setting selected on the tactile device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a system for remotely configuringoperations of a lighting control device. The remote device may includedevices including, but not limited to a mobile phone, a mobile computingdevice or a computing device remote from the light control device. At601, the mobile electronic device generates a communication interfacewith the light switch module. At 602 a light fixture identificationmodule initiates a sensor based protocol to identify a parameterassociated with one or more light fixtures connected to the light switchcontrol module. At 603, a display selection module causes a display ofan icon to appear on a display device of the mobile electronic device.At 604, a lighting setting configuration module allows a user to createa power distribution scheme or profile for the light fixtures identifiedbased on the identified parameters and a user specified input related tolight intensity. At 604, a storage module is used to the store the powerdistribution scheme and associate a particular lighting setting iconwith the power distribution scheme. At 605, a transmission moduletransmits the power distribution scheme and the associated icon to thelight switch control module.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of a lighting control system apparatus. Thelighting control system apparatus includes a lighting control module700. The lighting control module 700 can be configured like the lightingcontrol device 100 to include a switch module removably coupled to abase module. The lighting control module 700 is configured to adjust alighting scene by causing a change in the power distribution scheme toone or more lighting fixtures of lighting circuit 750. In connectionwith changing the power distribution scheme, the lighting control module700 includes a detector circuit 712 for detecting one or more electricalparameters related to the lighting control module 700. As discussedfurther herein, these electrical parameters may provide informationrelated to the configuration of the lighting control module 700 and/orthe configuration of one or more components connected to the lightingcontrol module 700. The lighting control module 700 also includes apower circuit 714 for regulating the power flow to and from the lightingcontrol module 700. The power circuit 714 and the detector circuit 712are communicably coupled for bidirectional communication with one ormore controllers 720. In some embodiments, the controller 720 mayinclude a controller on the switch module which may communicate with thedetector circuit and the power circuit through a separate controllerpositioned in the base module. The power circuit 714 and 712 arepositioned in a base module and are connected to the lighting circuit750. The control of electricity from the power circuit 714 to thelighting circuit 750 is regulated (directly or indirectly) by thecontroller 720. The power circuit 714 may include one or moretransformers or power converters and may be configured for powerisolation to maintain AC current flow from interacting with various DCcomponents. The detector circuit may include one or more componentsconfigured to measure current, voltage, impedance or other electricalproperties, signals, or data.

The power circuit 714 can be configured to adjust the signal supplied(input signal), which is related to the power supplied by it, to thelighting circuit 750. For example, the power circuit 714 can comprise atunable voltage source that can supply an input voltage signal withtunable voltage amplitude to the lighting circuit 750. The input voltagesignal can be an AC and/or a DC signal whose amplitude can be tuned bythe power circuit 714. In some implementations, the power circuit 714can comprise a tunable current source that can supply an input currentsignal with varying current amplitude to the lighting circuit 750. Forexample, the input current signal can be an alternating (AC) and/ordirect (DC) whose amplitude can be varied by the power circuit 714. Insome implementation, the power circuit 714 can comprise both tunablevoltage source and tunable current source. The power circuit 714 may beconfigured to supply an input voltage and/or current signal at discreteamplitudes. The power circuit 714 may be configured to increase/decreasethe quantity of power supplied to the lighting circuit 750, for exampleby increasing/decreasing the amplitude of the input voltage and/orcurrent signal.

One or more properties of the input signal can be controlled by thecontroller 720. The controller 720 and power circuit 714 can interactelectronically by wire or wirelessly. The controller 720 can send acontrol signal to the power circuit 714 that may determine theproperties of the input signals (voltage and/or current signals). Forexample, the control signal may contain data that includes an array ofnumerical values of amplitudes (and frequencies) of sinusoidal inputsignals. The power circuit 714 may set the amplitude and frequency ofthe input signals (voltage and/or current signals) based on the controlsignal.

The response of the lighting circuit 750 measured by the detectorcircuit 712 may include one or more of current, voltage and impedance.The response of the lighting circuit 750 may be represented by an analogsignal, i.e., a signal that can continuously vary with time. In someimplementations, the detector circuit 712 may include a voltage sensingcircuit that can detect a voltage signal (e.g., voltage across thelighting circuit 750). In some implementations the detector circuit 712can include a current sensing circuit that can detect a current signal(e.g., the current flowing into the lighting circuit 750). In someimplementations, the detector circuit 712 can include an impedancesensing circuit that detects the impedance of the lighting circuit 750.

The detector circuit 712 and power circuit 714 can interact by wireand/or wirelessly. The power circuit 714 can send a signal to thedetector unit 712 based on which the detector circuit starts (or ends)detecting the response of the lighting circuit 750. For example, thepower circuit 714 may send a notification signal to the detector circuit712 that indicates that the power circuit 714 is about to send an inputsignal (voltage and/or current signal) to the lighting circuit 750.Based on the notification signal, the detection circuit 712 may begindetecting the response of the lighting circuit 450. Additionally oralternately, the power circuit 714 may send a notification signal to thedetector circuit 712 that indicates that the detection circuit 712 mayend detecting the response of the lighting circuit 750.

The detector circuit 712 and the controller 720 can interact by wireand/or wirelessly. For example, the detector circuit 712 may senddetector signal to the controller 720 that contains data that representsinformation related to the detected response (e.g., voltage, current,impedance etc.) of the lighting circuit 750. As described before, theresponse of the lighting circuit 750 may be represented by an analogsignal. In one implementation, the detector circuit 712 includes ananalog-to-digital converter (ADC) that can convert the analog responsesignal to a digital response signal. Converting the analog responsesignal to the digital response signal may involve sampling the analogresponse signal at certain times, for example, sampling periodically ata sampling frequency. For example, the analog response signal can besampled at greater than 1 KHz (more than 1000 samples per second) or atgreater than 10 KHz. The sampled analog signal is rounded off to thenearest available digital value (sometimes referred to as “levels”) ofthe ADC. The signal resolution of the ADC may depend on the range ofanalog signal that the ADC can detect (e.g., range of voltage/currentvalues), and the number of available digital values. For example, theresolution of an 8-bit ADC (256 available digital values), having 5.12V(volts) range (e.g., from 0V to 5.12 V), will be 0.02 volts. This 8-bitADC may convert a sampled analog signal to the nearest 0.02V-multiplevalue. For example, a 0.175 V sampled analog signal may be converted toa 0.18 V signal. The time resolution of the ADC (e.g., the timeresolution of the digital response signal) depends at the samplingfrequency, i.e., the frequency at which the ADC samples the analogresponse signal. The sampling frequency of the ADC can be set to a valuethat is greater than twice the maximum frequency of the sampled analogsignal (sometimes referred to Nyquist frequency).

In some implementations, the controller 720 can adjust the range ofanalog signals that the ADC in the detection circuit 712 can detect. Thecontroller 720 can, for example, send a “reference” signal to the ADCthat can determine the range of the ADC. For example, referring to the8-bit ADC example discussed before, the controller 720 may send a 2.56 Vreference signal to the ADC. As a result, the range of the 8-bit ADC maychange to 2.56V (e.g., from 0V to 2.56 V). Changing the range of an ADCmay also change the resolution of the ADC. For example, if the range ofan 8-bit ADC is changed from 5.12V to 2.56V by the controller 720, theresolution of the 8-bit ADC may change from 0.02V to 0.01V.

The detector signal (from the detector circuit 712 to the controller720) can include data that represents information about the digitalresponse signal. The detector signal may also include the sampling timescorresponding to the digital response signal. The controller 720 canmake a determination about one or more properties of the lightingcircuit 750 based on the detector signal for one or more input signals.For example, the controller 720 may compare the detected responsesignals with response data of known circuits in a database. The knowncircuits may include lighting circuits with different types of lightbulbs (e.g., incandescent, fluorescent, LED, halogen, high intensitydischarge, magnetic low-voltage, electronic low-voltage), with differentnumber of light bulbs, or a combination of both. The database may alsoinclude one or more input signal data that may be related the responsedata. For example, the response data, for a known circuit, may representthe response of the known circuit to an input signal (e.g.,time-dependent signal) represented by the input data.

The input signal data of a known circuit in the database may representinformation about one or more properties of the input signals (voltageand/or current signals). For example, the input signal data can includeinformation about the amplitude and frequency of a sinusoidal inputsignal. The response data of the known circuit may contain informationabout one or more properties of the response (e.g., voltage, current,impedance etc.) signal of the known circuit corresponding to an inputsignal. For example, the response data may comprise an array ofnumerical values that represents the amplitude of the response signals(e.g., amplitude of voltage and/or current signals) as a function oftime.

As described before, the controller 720 can send a control signal to thepower circuit 714 that may determine the properties of the input signals(voltage and/or current signals) supplied by the power circuit 714 tolighting circuit 750. In some implementations, the control signal mayinclude input signal data (e.g., the amplitudes and frequencies of theinput signals represented by the input signal data). The power circuit714 may supply input signals to the lighting circuit 750 based on thereceived input signal data. The detector circuit 712 may detect theresponse of the lighting circuit 750 to the aforementioned inputsignals, and send the detected response signals (e.g., digital responsesignal from the ADC in the detector circuit 712) to the controller 720.The controller 720 may compare (e.g., by correlation) the detectedresponse signals with the response data. Based on this comparison, thecontroller 720 may determine one or more properties of the lightingcircuit 750.

In one implementation, the power circuit 714 is configured to supply asmall current input signal (configured leak electricity) that does notlight up the bulbs in the lighting fixtures of the lighting circuit 750.However, the small current input signal may be sufficient to detect aresponse signal or power draw from the lighting circuit 750. In oneimplementation, the current input signal can be less than 25 milliamps,less than 15 milliamps, and/or less than 10 milliamps. The power circuit714 may be configured to increase the power supplied by successive inputsignals. This can, for example, be achieved by successively increasingthe amplitude of the voltage/current input signal

In one implementation, the controller 720 is configured to select adimming profile (e.g., forward phase, reverse phase, non-dimmable) ofthe bulb (whose type has been determined by the controller 720) in thelighting circuit 750. The dimming profiles of the various light bulb maybe stored in the database of the controller 720. Based on the dimmingprofile, the controller may send a control signal to the power circuit714 to change the power supplied to the lighting circuit based on datain the dimming profile. The controller 720 may be configured todetermine the wattage rating of the bulb in the lighting circuit 750.The wattage can, for example, be determined by the power consumed by thelighting circuit 750. The power consumed by the lighting circuit 750 maybe determined by multiplying the detected digital voltage response withthe detected digital current response of the lighting circuit 750. Basedon the wattage of the lighting circuit 750, the controller may identifythe company that manufactures the bulb in the lighting circuit 750.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematics of a lighting control module of FIG. 7with a multi-switch detection system. The lighting control module 700 isdepicted separated into a base lighting control module 812 and a switchmodule or switch controller 802. As described herein, the switch module802 may include a tactile interface and a switch actuator, such as thetactile display 104 and the light switch actuator 106 described herein.The switch module 802 can also house the controller 720. The powercircuit 714 may include a transformer 818, a power isolator and DCconverter 814, and a dimmer, such as a TRIAC dimmer 813. In someembodiments, the power circuit 714 may include a MOSFET dimmer. Thedetection circuit 712 may include a voltage and current sensor 816. FIG.8A shows the lighting control module 700 with a distinct voltage/currentsensor(s) 816 than that of FIG. 8B. FIG. 8A shows light control module700 that is compatible (i.e. configured to be communicably and/oroperationally coupled) with a corresponding light control module 700,but is also compatible with another 3^(rd) party switch, for example aswitch without any current sensing, data, and/or digital transmissioncapabilities. The power isolator separates the analog AC current fromthe low power or DC digital components in the base lighting controlmodule 812 and the switch module 802.

The base lighting control module 812 includes a ground terminal 830 forgrounding various electrical components container in the module 812. Thebase light control module 812 includes a neutral terminal 828 forconnecting to a neutral wire, a line terminal 826, and a load terminal822. As shown in FIG. 8, the voltage and current sensor(s) are coupledto the load line to detect changes in the voltage or current along theline carrying power to one or more light fixtures 824 connected to thelighting circuit (750). The base lighting control module 812 alsoincludes a controller 840 communicably coupled to the controller 720.The base lighting control module 812 also includes LED indicator lights842 and 841 for indicating information regarding the status of the baselighting control module 812. For example, in some embodiments LEDindicator light 841 can indicates if a neutral wire is connected whileLED indicator light 842 can indicate if a 3 way connection is connected.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show 3-way detection circuits of the light controlmodules of FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG. 9B shows 2 3-way detection circuits 810of light control modules 700 communicating via the traveler wire 820.Arrow 902 represent current coming across the two modules 700. When twomodules 700 are wired in a 3-way configuration, the disengagement of anyair-gap switch should physically remove the power to the bulb.Therefore, the line wire 828 would go through the two modules 700 inseries. Meanwhile, because each two modules 700 will “steal” some powerfrom the Line wire 828 to power itself, the internal ground on theprimary side will be different.

When two modules 700 are wired in a 3-way configuration 3-way detectioncan occur as follows. During normal operation, the MOSFETs 901 are off.Because all the MOSFETs 901 on the traveler wire 820 are off, there isno power loss. When detection mode is initiated, one module 700 willinform neighboring module(s) 700 through wireless communication that itis in detection mode. At the same time, its MOSFET 901 is turned on. Theneighboring module 700 having a higher ground reference thereby forcescurrent into the searching unit, which sees a resulting voltage drop onR1. The comparator will detect the voltage drop and send the currentsignal back. Then those neighboring module 700 will inform the searchingmodule 700 of the 3-way detection. The control signals, CS, for thisblock are the SPI signals with /CS signal high. When /CS is high, theSPI channel is disabled. Then the clock signal, Clk, and DO signals areused for command and detection. In some embodiments, the 3-way wireshall not have any direct connection to the low-voltage side signal forsafety concern. During detection, AC line voltage will fall on R1, so R1should be rated for its voltage, power and power surge.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a system 1000 for adjusting an operatingprotocol of a lighting control module configured for multi-switchoperation. At 1001 a traveler detection signal is transmitted. At 1002 aresponse to the detection signal is detected, for example via thedetection circuit, which can include the multi-way detection circuit810. At 1003 a determination is made as to whether or not the travelerterminal is grounded. If the terminal is not grounded the signal may beretransmitted or the call ended. If the traveler terminal is determinedto be grounded at 1003 a call signal, for example as discussed herein,is transmitted at 1004. If a neighboring switch (e.g. module 700)responds to the call as determined at 1005, a master assignment and aslave assignment may be assigned. One to the calling switch and one tothe responding neighboring switch. If no response is received, theswitch determines that the connected switch is a 3^(rd) party switch andexecutes an inverse action protocol.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a system for remotely adjusting anoperating protocol of a lighting control module configured formulti-switch operation. In particular, system 1100 can be operated tocomplete slave master assignment to lighting control modules manuallyfrom a remote computing device. At 1101, the remote computing devicewirelessly connects to a first lighting control module 700, switch A. At1102, a multi-switch protocol 1102 is selected on the first lightingcontrol module that the remote computing device connects to. At 1103, aneighboring lighting control module 700, switch B, is manually selectedfrom available switches recognized by the remote computing device. At1104, a call signal is transmitted from switch A to the selected switchB. Once received and confirmed, a user can manually assign a masterassignment to either switch A or B as desired at 1105 and assign theother switch to a slave assignment. Designation as the slave switchcauses the slave switch is to transmit a lighting change requestreceived thereon to the master switch whereby the master switch altersthe lighting scheme of the lighting circuit of the light fixture.Accordingly, designation as the slave switch precludes the switch fromdirectly changing the lighting scheme of the light fixture(s) on thelighting circuit. Instead all request and user inputs are channeledthrough the master switch.

Implementations of the subject matter and the operations described inthis specification can be implemented by digital electronic circuitry,or via computer software, firmware, or hardware, including thestructures disclosed in this specification and their structuralequivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Implementationsof the subject matter described in this specification can be implementedas one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computerprogram instructions, encoded on computer storage medium for executionby, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus.

A computer storage medium can be, or be included in, a computer-readablestorage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random orserial access memory array or device, or a combination of one or more ofthem. Moreover, while a computer storage medium is not a propagatedsignal, a computer storage medium can be a source or destination ofcomputer program instructions encoded in an artificially generatedpropagated signal. The computer storage medium can also be, or beincluded in, one or more separate physical components or media (e.g.,multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices).

The operations described in this specification can be implemented asoperations performed by a data processing apparatus on data stored onone or more computer-readable storage devices or received from othersources.

The term “data processing apparatus” encompasses all kinds of apparatus,devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example aprogrammable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multipleones, or combinations, of the foregoing. The apparatus can includespecial purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gatearray) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). Theapparatus can also include, in addition to hardware, code that createsan execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g.,code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a databasemanagement system, an operating system, a cross-platform runtimeenvironment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them.The apparatus and execution environment can realize various differentcomputing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributedcomputing and grid computing infrastructures.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, softwareapplication, script, or code) can be written in any form of programminglanguage, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative orprocedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as astand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, orother unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computerprogram may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. Aprogram can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programsor data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup languagedocument), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or inmultiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules,sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployedto be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are locatedat one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by acommunication network.

The processes and logic flows described in this specification can beperformed by one or more programmable processors executing one or morecomputer programs to perform actions by operating on input data andgenerating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performedby, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logiccircuitry, e.g., a FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC(application specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, byway of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, andany one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, aprocessor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory ora random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer area processor for performing actions in accordance with instructions andone or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally,a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive datafrom or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices forstoring data, e.g., magnetic, magneto optical disks, or optical disks.However, a computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer canbe embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console,a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device(e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive), to name just a few.Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and datainclude all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices,including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM,EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal harddisks or removable disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROMdisks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, orincorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subjectmatter described in this specification can be implemented on a computerhaving a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquidcrystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and akeyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by whichthe user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices canbe used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example,feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g.,visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input fromthe user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, ortactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user bysending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is usedby the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on auser's user device in response to requests received from the webbrowser.

Implementations of the subject matter described in this specificationcan be implemented in a computing system that includes a back endcomponent, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middlewarecomponent, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front endcomponent, e.g., a user computer having a graphical display or a Webbrowser through which a user can interact with an implementation of thesubject matter described in this specification, or any combination ofone or more such back end, middleware, or front end components. Thecomponents of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium ofdigital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples ofcommunication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a widearea network (“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), andpeer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

The computing system can include users and servers. A user and serverare generally remote from each other and typically interact through acommunication network. The relationship of user and server arises byvirtue of computer programs running on the respective computers andhaving a user-server relationship to each other. In someimplementations, a server transmits data (e.g., an HTML page) to a userdevice (e.g., for purposes of displaying data to and receiving userinput from a user interacting with the user device). Data generated atthe user device (e.g., a result of the user interaction) can be receivedfrom the user device at the server.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details,these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of anyinventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures specific to particular implementations of particularinventions. Certain features that are described in this specification inthe context of separate implementations can also be implemented incombination in a single implementation. Conversely, various featuresthat are described in the context of a single implementation can also beimplemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitablesub combination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asub combination or variation of a sub combination.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joiningof two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining maybe stationary or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved withthe two members or the two members and any additional intermediatemembers being integrally formed as a single unitary body with oneanother or with the two members or the two members and any additionalintermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may bepermanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differaccording to other exemplary implementations, and that such variationsare intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. It isrecognized that features of the disclosed implementations can beincorporated into other disclosed implementations.

While various inventive implementations have been described andillustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readilyenvision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing thefunction and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of theadvantages described herein, and each of such variations and/ormodifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventiveimplementations described herein. More generally, those skilled in theart will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials,and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and thatthe actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations willdepend upon the specific application or applications for which theinventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art willrecognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routineexperimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventiveimplementations described herein. It is, therefore, to be understoodthat the foregoing implementations are presented by way of example onlyand that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalentsthereto, inventive implementations may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described and claimed. Inventive implementations of thepresent disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system,article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, anycombination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials,kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials,kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included withinthe inventive scope of the present disclosure.

Also, the technology described herein may be embodied as a method, ofwhich at least one example has been provided. The acts performed as partof the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly,implementations may be constructed in which acts are performed in anorder different than illustrated, which may include performing some actssimultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrativeimplementations.

The claims should not be read as limited to the described order orelements unless stated to that effect. It should be understood thatvarious changes in form and detail may be made by one of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims. All implementations that come within the spirit and scope of thefollowing claims and equivalents thereto are claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lighting control system multi-switch apparatus,the apparatus comprising: a lighting control module including at leastthree electrical terminals, the at least three electrical terminalsincluding a power terminal, a common terminal, and a traveler terminal,the lighting control module configured to cause a transmission of aquantity of electrical energy to a lighting circuit of a light fixtureelectrically connected to the lighting control module; a detectorcircuit positioned in the lighting control module, the detector circuitelectrically coupled to the traveler terminal and configured to detect agrounding of the traveler terminal; and a controller system inelectrical communication with the detector circuit, the controllersystem configured to cause a call signal to be transmitted to a switchconnected to the traveler terminal, the call signal configured torequest the switch connected to the traveler terminal transmit aresponse signal to the controller system to identify the switchconnected to the traveler terminal to the controller system, wherein thecontroller system is further configured to designate the switchconnected to the traveler wire as at least one of a slave switch and amaster switch and to designate the lighting control module as the otherone of the slave switch and the master switch in response to receipt ofthe response signal from the switch connected to the traveler terminal,wherein the slave switch is configured to transmit a lighting changerequest received by the master switch to cause the master switch toalter a lighting scheme of the lighting circuit of the light fixture. 2.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller system isconfigured to cause the call signal to be transmitted through thetraveler terminal.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thedetector circuit includes a current sensor.
 4. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the detector circuit includes an analog digitalconverter.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising acommunication module positioned in the lighting control module and inelectrical communication with the controller system, wherein thecontroller system is configured to cause the call signal to betransmitted wirelessly through the communication module.
 6. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller system isconfigured to provide a notification to a remote computing devicewirelessly through the communication module, wherein the notificationindicates that lighting control module is integrated in a multi-switchcircuit.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controllersystem is configured to provide a notification to a remote access pointwirelessly through the communication module, wherein the notificationindicates that the lighting control module is integrated in amulti-switch circuit.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein thecontroller system is configured to designate the switch connected to thetraveler wire as the at least one of a slave switch and the masterswitch based on a user selection received by the controller system froma remote computing device in wireless communication with the controllersystem via the communication module.
 9. The apparatus according to claim6, wherein the controller system is configured to designate the switchconnected to the traveler wire as the at least one of a slave switch andthe master switch based on a logic of strongest wireless signal strengthto an access point of a home within which the apparatus is located. 10.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detector circuit isconfigured to transmit an electrical detection signal through thetraveler terminal.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein theelectrical detection signal has an electrical current of less than 1amp.
 12. A method of operating a lighting control system comprising:operating a detection mode wherein a first controller system in a firstlighting control module wirelessly signals to a second controller systemin a second lighting control module that the first controller system isoperating in the detection mode; operating a MOSFET in the firstlighting control module during the detection mode; in response toreceipt of the detection mode signal, transmitting an initiation currentfrom the second lighting control module to the first lighting controlmodule; detecting a voltage drop in the first lighting control module;and transmitting a response current from the first lighting controlmodule to the second lighting control module, in response to detectingthe voltage drop whereby the second lighting control module confirms3-way detection.
 13. The method according to claim 12, furthercomprising designating, via the first controller system, the firstlighting controller module as at least one of a slave switch and amaster switch; and designating the second lighting control module as theother one of the slave switch and the master switch in response totransmitting the response current, wherein the slave switch isconfigured to transmit a lighting change request received by the slaveswitch to the master switch to cause the master switch to alter alighting scheme of one or more light circuits connected to one or moreof the first lighting control module and the second lighting controlmodule.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controllersystem is configured to cause the call signal to be transmitted to theswitch connected to the traveler terminal by being connected to a memorystorage device.
 15. A lighting control system multi-switch apparatus,the apparatus comprising: a lighting control module including at leastthree electrical terminals, the at least three electrical terminalsincluding a power terminal, a common terminal, and a traveler terminal,the lighting control module configured to cause a transmission of aquantity of electrical energy to a lighting circuit of a light fixtureelectrically connected to the lighting control module; a detectorcircuit positioned in the lighting control module, the detector circuitelectrically coupled to the traveler terminal and configured to detect agrounding of the traveler terminal; a controller system in electricalcommunication with the detector circuit, the controller systemconfigured to cause a call signal to be transmitted to a switchconnected to the traveler terminal, the call signal configured torequest the switch connected to the traveler terminal transmit aresponse signal to the controller system to identify the switchconnected to the traveler terminal to the controller system and acommunication module positioned in the lighting control module and inelectrical communication with the controller system, wherein thecontroller system is configured to cause the call signal to betransmitted wirelessly through the communication module.
 16. Theapparatus according to claim 15, wherein the controller system isconfigured to provide a notification to a remote access point wirelesslythrough the communication module, wherein the notification indicatesthat the lighting control module is integrated in a multi-switchcircuit.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the controllersystem is configured to designate the switch connected to the travelerwire as the at least one of a slave switch and the master switch basedon a user selection received by the controller system from a remotecomputing device in wireless communication with the controller systemvia the communication module.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 15,wherein the controller system is configured to designate the switchconnected to the traveler wire as the at least one of a slave switch andthe master switch based on a logic of strongest wireless signal strengthto an access point of a home within which the apparatus is located.